Race director Michael Masi states the reason behind Perez's first lap penalty

Sergio Perez ran wide during the opening sequence of corners during the French Grand Prix. The Racing Point did as was told by going through the penalty gate, but was still handed a five-second penalty.

Race director Michael Masi has explained why he was still punished despite taking the longer route through the penalty gate.

“If Sergio had chosen going out of Turn Six to drop back behind those two cars I think we would have looked at it and said he’s created his own disadvantage, effectively, and dropped into where he should have,” Masi told RaceFans.net.

“When someone rejoins they must firstly rejoin safely and two must not gain a lasting advantage. In looking at the in-car, particularly when you look at Lance [Stroll’s] who was immediately behind him, Sergio’s locked up, chosen to go to the left and bypass the bollard and come out in front of both Albon and Magnussen."